Late town manager had 'passion' for Holden

Nancy Galkowski held the title of Holden town manager for only three years, but her enthusiasm for town government was felt across the state.

“She had such a passion for town government,” her husband Lawrence Galkowski said. “She was always out to do the best thing for the town, no matter where she was.”

Mrs. Galkowski, 58, who died Friday following a battle with pancreatic cancer, began and ended her 35-year career in municipal government in the town where she was born and raised. After being hired in February 2010, she decided not to seek renewal of her three-year contract that expired earlier this month.

Selectman Robert Lavigne, who worked closely with Mrs. Galkowski while he was chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said the town benefited immensely from hiring her.

“She had an incredible level of professionalism and enthusiasm,” Mr. Lavigne said. “She was dedicated to improving the transparency of town government. She really pushed it to another level.”

Selectman Anthony Renzoni also had high praise for Mrs. Galkowski, noting her contributions to the town's financial stability.

“She solidified the long-term capital plan, and she led the effort to stabilize the water and sewer rates — that was one of the first things she did,” Mr. Renzoni said. “We are a better town for having her here.”

“She was the most ethical person I ever worked with,” former Selectman David White said. “She was quite admirable. She always made sure that things were done properly.

“She has raised two great boys, and they will be part of her legacy as well,” he said.

Before being named town manager in 2010, Mrs. Galkowski served for 26 years in the town of Arlington, leaving as the deputy town manager.

“Nancy was really, really smart,” said Caryn Malloy, Arlington's human resources director. “She knew everything about the budget, but one of her favorite things to do was to mentor young people who were just getting started.

“John Dunlap, who is in the city of Boston, recognized Nancy as one of his mentors when he received an award,” she said.

In addition to her passion for local government, Mrs. Galkowski was very focused on connecting other municipal managers with each other.

“She was never happier than when she was networking,” said Kate Fitzpatrick, Needham town manager and president of the Mass. Municipal Association. “She was so devoted to local government.”

“When we had managers' conferences, she knew everybody,” said Jean Kitchen, former Holden resident and Southboro town administrator. “She was admired throughout the country. She had so much to give.”

Mrs. Kitchen said that when her colleagues learned of Mrs. Galkowski's diagnosis, they organized a walk to raise money for pancreatic cancer, and in two weeks they raised more than $10,000.

“There were about 40 town managers, all walking in the pouring rain,” Mrs. Kitchen said.

Maureen Valente said that it was Mrs. Galkowski's support that propelled her to run for president of the Mass. Municipal Managers Association five years ago.

“I thought there were others with more seniority, and Nancy said to me 'Don't back away,' ” Mrs. Valente said. “Without her encouragement, I never would have done it, and it was one of the best experiences of my career.”

Mrs. Galkowski began her career in Holden as a planning and research assistant in 1977 and then as assistant to the town manager in 1982.

Because of her dedication to municipal government, Mrs. Galkowski's fellow town managers have established the Nancy Galkowski Legacy Leadership Fund. The fund will be used to help municipal leaders take advantage of training seminars and other professional development opportunities.

“It could be for a new manager just starting out,” Ms. Fitzpatrick said. “Or it could be for a manager from a small community that doesn't have the budget for the seminar.”

Donations to the fund may be sent c/o Mass. Municipal Association, One Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Miles Funeral Home. Mrs. Galkowski's funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Church in Jefferson.